Hoffmeister pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for converting to his own use less than $100 in Medicare funds.

“Dr. Hoffmeister admitted that he intentionally stole money from Medicare for a procedure that he knew did not comply with the Medicare guidelines,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher O’Connor said Tuesday, May 20.

“Dr. Hoffmeister agreed to repay Medicare more than $50,000 for procedures that he either did not perform in the manner required by the Medicare program or that were not supported by the patient’s medical records.”

Hoffmeister was to stand trial in U.S. District Court this week. He was indicted on 67 counts – one count for each alleged improper billing.

The misdemeanor charge carries a potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The felony charges carried a potential of 10 years in prison.

Under the plea agreement, both parties agree Hoffmeister owes $8,088 in restitution. He also has agreed to relinquish Medicare claims of $44,904, records showed.

The conviction could prevent participation in federal healthcare programs such as Medicare. The conviction does not affect his license, attorney Larry Willey said.

Willey contended that disagreement over treatment procedures led to criminal charges rather than fraudulent billing.

The plea agreement says that “Hoffmeister knowingly filed a claim with Medicare for a partial nail avulsion that did not comply with the Medicare guidelines. As a result of this claim, Dr. Hoffmeister obtained funds from Medicare in the amount of $49.24.”